Ariana Grande takes the stage tonight to host the final episode of Saturday Night Live for 2025. This marks her third time as host and fifth overall appearance on the iconic show. Previously, she appeared as a musical guest in 2014 and 2022. Grande’s last hosting was in October 2024, shortly before the release of her much-anticipated film, Wicked.
Joining Grande as the musical guest is the legendary Cher, who has a long history with SNL. Cher first performed on the show in 1987 and made a recent appearance during SNL50: The Anniversary Concert in February 2025. This Christmas episode is particularly significant, as it also marks the final performance of repertory player Bowen Yang, who has been with the show for seven years. Yang, who co-starred with Grande in the Wicked films, became a writer for SNL in Season 44 and was promoted to repertory player in Season 47.
How to Watch the Episode Live
The episode airs live on December 20, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, broadcasting from Studio 8H in New York City. For those without cable, there are options available for streaming. DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial and subscription plans starting at $39.99 per month, which includes access to NBC. Another option is the Peacock Premium free trial, providing seven days of access before switching to a monthly fee of $16.99. New episodes of SNL are also available for streaming on Peacock the following Sunday morning.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This episode concludes the first half of SNL Season 51. The show is set to return in mid-January with a new host and musical guest, likely announced during tonight’s broadcast. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the second half of the season will bring, especially following a year filled with memorable performances and appearances.
Angela Tricarico, a Commerce Streaming Reporter for the New York Post, has provided insights into how to access the latest episodes and keep viewers informed about their favorite shows. Her expertise spans the realms of streaming, consumer technology, and pop culture, ensuring readers receive the best information possible.
